Two students’ exciting experiences abroad.
Written by Christina Ibos

"Definitely do it! Living in a foreign country isn’t always easy, but you get to experience so many cool new things..."
Cleveland State University (CSU) and education abroad are two terms that don’t normally correlate for many college students attending the university. Contrary to what a majority of students may believe, CSU has the Center for International Services and Programs (CISP), which is entirely dedicated to helping students experience education away. CISP has helped many students experience a successful term abroad. Taylor Lucas and Ella Van Niel are two such students who have both recently finished their time abroad.
Lucas, a junior studying English and marketing, studied in Debrecen, Hungary this past summer at Debreceni Egyetem or the University of Debrecen. Her program was funded by CSU and the Cleveland Hungarian Development Panel. It was created through a first-ever partnership between CSU and the University of Debrecen, making it a more unique situation than some other abroad programs. Lucas applied for this opportunity through her Hungarian professor, Dr. Fehér, and after a formal interview, was selected as one of two scholars for the four-week long trip.
Van Niel, also a junior, is studying psychology and sociology with a minor in Spanish. She studied abroad this past fall in Sevilla, Spain at La Universidad de Sevilla or the University of Sevilla. Unlike Lucas, her program was not offered by CSU. Instead, it was one of many that the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) offers for students at a variety of colleges. CIEE is one of many organizations that CSU works with to help send students abroad.
Each organization has a diverse number of programs so that any student can have the perfect trip abroad for their individual financial and academic situation. When a student is looking to travel, the most common way is to use one of these affiliate organizations. A list can be found on the CISP website under “Education Away > Programs > Affiliates.”
Van Niel began her study abroad process in March by reaching out to the CISP office. She worked with the Education Away advisor, Julie Good, to research the best program for her.
The cost of studying abroad is often a stereotypical barrier for students, however, there are many scholarship opportunities available through CISP to help alleviate the cost such as the Bonnie and Peter Racquet High Impact Learning Fund that Lucas received to support her trip expenses. Both her and Van Niel expressed the same sentiment that studying abroad can be affordable and that the cost shouldn’t dissuade anyone from pursuing it.
Here are some more details about their experiences:
Q: What was your favorite part about studying abroad? What was the most difficult part?
Lucas: My favorite part [was] meeting the other students, faculty and staff at the University [of Debrecen], as well as the locals of Debrecen! I really enjoyed discovering everyone's unique interests, but one thing we all shared was a love for dance. We would all join in at the end of the nightly gastro and folklore events. Honestly, the most challenging part was building confidence in myself in various ways.
Q: What is the culture and way of life like in your host country?
Lucas: I was excited to engage with the Hungarian programmers and immediately felt that they were just as interested in me and my journey as I was in theirs! Dancing is also one of the great ways that the program provided an opportunity for the rest of the students to open up and interact with each other. They wanted us to interact and engage with Hungarian culture as much as possible, even scheduling two weekend excursions outside of Debrecen (in Hortobágy and Sáránd).
Van Niel: The Spanish way of life is very relaxed and social. People in Spain only work until 3 p.m., and they spend the rest of the day drinking and eating outside at restaurants. They also value tradition a lot, so there are lots of local festivals throughout the year.
Q: What is one story that you want to share about your experiences abroad?
Van Niel: My friend and I went to a flamenco show in Granada, a city near Sevilla, and it was so amazing that we both cried! Flamenco originated in Sevilla and Granada and it was really powerful to experience it in the place where it was created.
Q: Any advice to students who are thinking about studying abroad?
Lucas: Go for it! I am so grateful for the experience – make sure to find events/places to visit for yourself! I would also advise anyone to take as many pictures as you can or collect the little items on your trip. Even when I miss it, I am so happy to look back and remember the little things or a silly photo like the [one I have of the] hedgehog I saw crawling at 1 a.m.
Van Niel: Definitely do it! Living in a foreign country isn’t always easy, but you get to experience so many cool new things like languages, traditions and food. I feel like studying abroad has expanded my worldview so much!
CISP is located in Berkman Hall room 412 and has walk-in hours from 1-3 p.m. on weekdays for anyone interested in Education Away programs. Students can also book an appointment with Good, the Education Away advisor at CISP, through Starfish or her email: j.a.good88@csuohio.edu.